Ghosts ✔️

Chapter 13

Harry thought he should've been more anxious than he actually was. If he had to see Lucius again, it would be a bigger issue, but Narcissa had saved his life and he was grateful. Besides, he trusted Draco and knew he wouldn't deliberately put him into harm's way.

That small comfort however didn't ease him into sleep any quicker. He gave up at 7am, and after working out for an hour he took a shower, and then had some breakfast.

As 9:30 rolled around, he put on a film and tried to distract himself. It worked well enough, and by the time it was over it was time to get ready to leave.

His outfit was chosen very carefully. A clean pair of black jeans, a crisp green button up, and a pair of black boots. This was the longest he had ever spent in his life trying to look presentable. When he was done, he smiled softly to himself in the mirror.

After saying goodbye to Kreacher, Harry apparated to Malfoy Manor 15 minutes early. He was righting himself as Draco came out to meet him.

"Potter. I must say you clean up well. I didn't know you had it in you", Draco said teasingly.

With a laugh, Harry pulled Draco in for a hug.

"Hello Malfoy."

"You're here early too. A great way to make a good first impression. I'll take you to see Mother, and then I'll give you an actual tour of the grounds if you'd like?"

Harry nodded, and Draco led him towards the front door.

"I promise you everything will be okay Potter. Believe me, I don't make promises that I can't keep. There's also parchment, a quill, and ink on the table for you already. I made sure everything was set out for you."

"Thank you."

Draco found Harry's hand and squeezed it briefly, then led him inside.

"Mother, he's here."

If Narcissa Malfoy was surprised to see Harry, she didn't show it.

"Mr. Potter. I admit I wasn't expecting you, but it's a pleasure to see you again. Draco has been singing your praises for awhile now."

"Mother!", Draco hissed.

Laughing quietly, Harry extended a hand towards Mrs. Malfoy.

"Hello Mrs. Malfoy."

"Please dear, call me Narcissa. Lunch will be ready shortly. Draco can give you the tour, and then we can discuss the potion."

With a nod, Harry followed Draco around the house. It looked more inviting now than it had the last time he was here.

"Mother has been on a redecorating kick, not that I blame her. It makes everything look nicer I suppose, but I can no longer see myself staying here forever. Too much has happened, and I don't think this could ever be a home again. Not for me."

"I understand."

"I was moving the ingredients into the potions lab when I saw you arrive. They're all on the shelves now, but I bought a few new cauldrons and vials if you want to help me with those? They're in my room."

Harry nodded and was amazed at Draco's bedroom. Draco let him look around as he gathered all of the bags. When he turned back around, he saw Harry looking at his photos, one in his hand.

Draco couldn't fight the blush creeping up his cheeks.

"I hope that's not weird? It was given to me as a joke originally, but I kept it. I thought it was quite funny, but now it's kind of nice that we're friends."